Join Us

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN VACANCIES AT THE BICESTER LEARNING ACADEMY

The Bicester Learning Academy is a growing multi-academy trust and we are committed to providing a first-class and improving education to all of our students/pupils, enabling them to progress and achieve the standards that reflect their full ability, in all aspects of their lives. It is an exciting and supportive place to learn and to work. Our professional development is second to none. If you are interested in any future vacancies, then please send a covering letter, detailing your area of interest and send, along with your current C.V. to: recruitment@bicesterlearningacademy.co.uk

About Us

Bicester Learning Academy is a multi-academy trust currently comprising The Cooper School and Glory Farm Primary School. The ambitions for the schools are high: that we should provide to all our students a first-class and improving education that enables them, in all aspects of their lives, to make the progress and achieve the standards that reflect their full ability. Irrespective of background, all learners have access to a rich and diverse range of opportunities, matched to their aspirations and interests. They are encouraged to explore, lead, collaborate and communicate.

Situated on the north side of Bicester. In the last decade, The Academy and its schools have embraced change to grow, adapt and integrate with an evolving economy and society.

Like Bicester itself, The BLA schools have grown considerably over the last ten years and there are currently 2000+ students on roll. The expansion and improvement of resources complement the existing facilities. At The Cooper School we have our bespoke Performance Hall, Sports Hall, all weather pitches, ICT suites, Chromebook and tablet provision, projectors (including a number that are 3D capable) in every classroom and a state of the art Television Studio. Our student /computer ratio us an enviable 1.3.1 and together with our cloud technologies, allows us to continually expand the uses and benefits of our digital learning strategies beyond the classroom. At Glory Farm Primary School, we have our Millennium room, which is a highly equipped and bespoke ICT teaching space, our two gathering halls with AV provision for presentations and events.

Being part of the Bicester Learning Academy allows for our facilities and resources to be accessed right across the organisation. We are a GSuite for Education, Google Reference Site which further supports our ability to collaborate, to communicate and to offer the very best technology right across our academy.

The Bicester Learning Academy never loses sight of its core task, which is providing the best possible education for each and every student. Our most valuable resource continues to be our well qualified, committed and experienced staff, whose daily responsibility is to ensure that all students have the high quality teaching and caring pastoral support they need to reach their full potential as individuals and as members of society.

Why Join Our Team?

It is not only the students who are an integral part of the Bicester Learning Academy. Every member of our organisation is valued, proud and dedicated. We are working in a thriving environment where every day offers something special and celebrates the passions and dreams of the individual. We have a strong and diverse team of people whose dedication and motivation are key to our success where dedication is nurtured, recognised and rewarded. A majority of our Heads of Department and Senior Leadership team have risen through the organisation. Sharing good practice across our whole organisation is an expectation and every member is valued and supported, both professionally and personally.

We pride ourselves on our supportive and encouraging Senior Leadership Team who prioritise staff and value every individual.

Applications are invited from talented and impassioned individuals. Individuals who who align with our values of aspiration, achievement, care and resilience. In return, we offer a firm commitment to professional development.

The Academy is committed to meeting the needs of our growing community. Being centrally located, we have excellent transport links, meaning that our staff are easily able to reach us from a wide area. We are able to facilitate the changing requirements of a community that is expanding rapidly, offering great and exciting opportunities for everyone who becomes a part of the Bicester Learning Academy.

If you are interested in becoming part of our team, building on our successes and joining us on our exciting journey, then please look at the opportunities we have available, If you don’t see anything suitable at the present time, you are invited to send an expression of interest, along with your current C.V. to:

Our recent Ofsted Inspection (June 2017) wrote about the leadership of the school:

“You are driven by a desire to raise the aspirations of all students and have maintained and developed the culture of school improvement…..” and that this has resulted in…“a caring, nurturing and inclusive ethos that permeated the school. Inspectors were impressed by the calm and purposeful atmosphere and the strong relationships that exist between staff and students and among students themselves.”

Mission, Ethos & Culture

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide to all our students/pupils a first-class and improving education that enables them, in all aspects of their lives, to make the progress and achieve the standards that reflect their full ability. This reflects our ethos both as an academy and as individual schools which serve their community.

Our Ethos

Our recent Ofsted Inspection (June 2017) wrote about the leadership of the school:

“You are driven by a desire to raise the aspirations of all students and have maintained and developed the culture of school improvement…..” and that this has resulted in…“a caring, nurturing and inclusive ethos that permeated the school. Inspectors were impressed by the calm and purposeful atmosphere and the strong relationships that exist between staff and students and among students themselves.”

Our Culture

Our Culture (Our Enduring Traits) is where:

our students care about the safety of themselves and each other;

we have a curriculum for all Key Stage and Years that is varied, complex, challenging and deep;

we work together with other organisations and agencies in a true spirit of partnership resulting in all students, irrespective of background, have access to a rich and diverse range of opportunities matched to their aspirations and interests which enables them to explore, lead, collaborate and communicate outside the core curriculum and the school day;

we are proactive in evaluating, refining and evolving our systems and structures to meets the needs of the school at any given time for example restructuring the AEN department to improve the provision for groups of students, including the creation of HLTAs with designated roles both in departments and by student need (Autism, Hearing impaired, Global learning etc.)

About Bicester

Bicester is a historic market town and one of the fastest growing towns in the UK. Offering excellent opportunity, transport links and sustainable living with no sign of investment slowing, Bicester is an exciting place to work, to live and to learn. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to enhance an already established career in teaching, the Bicester Learning Academy provide a stimulating environment in a diverse, vibrant and flourishing town.

Recently awarded ‘Garden City’ status and being just one hour from London, twenty minutes from Oxford and under an hour from Birmingham, Bicester is ideally and centrally situated. The town sits on Junction 9 of the M40 motorway, linking it to Birmingham, Banbury and London. Bicester has two train stations, Bicester North and Bicester Village. Trains run frequently to Birmingham, Banbury, Oxford and London. In addition, it has good road links to Oxford, Kidlington, Brackley, Buckingham, Aylesbury, Witney and Milton Keynes, which amongst others are easily commutable.

Investment in the town is extensive and due to continue for the foreseeable future with more houses, accompanying infrastructure, facilities and schools being planned and built. Bicester is also home to the world famous Bicester Village designer outlet shopping centre, also supporting further growth and bringing notoriety, diversity and further investment to the town. The town centre has much to offer without losing its historic, 16th century roots. A family orientated town, on the outskirts it offers a brand new, state of the art Sports Village, Bicester Village designer outlet, hotels, restaurants and recycling facilities. In the centre of town you will find a variety of shops, the leisure centre, parks, cinema, pubs, clubs and restaurants.

The journey time between Bicester North and London Marylebone is between 43 minutes and 1 hour 5 minutes. On an average weekday, there are trains roughly every half hour per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays.

The average journey time between Bicester and Oxford is 16 minutes. Trains run roughly every half hour. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays.

The average journey time between Bicester North and Banbury is 17 minutes . Trains run roughly every half an hour between Bicester and Banbury. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays.

Commuting by Bus

The bus service runs (every 15 minutes) between Bicester and Oxford (stopping at Kidlington and other villages), during the week.

Bicester – Gosford (Kidlington) – Oxford

There are also bus services that run twice during the hour from Bicester, stopping at: Buckingham, and Milton Keynes and various stops between.

Commuting by car

Bicester is situated off of Junction 9 of the M40. It also has excellent road links from the surrounding villages, Oxford, Banbury, Kidlington, Brackley, Buckingham and Milton Keynes, amongst other places. Oxfordshire is part of the UK car share network ‘Liftshare’, which is used by many travelling to Bicester on a daily basis.

Relocation

Help with relocation

Having browsed our website, seen the amazing opportunities and support offered to employees of The Bicester Learning Academy, the next step might be to look at relocating to take up a position at the Academy. Relocating can be daunting and so we aim to do everything we can to make that journey as smooth as possible for you. Our Human Resources team are always on hand to answer any questions you might have and to give advice and assistance. You might want to speak to current staff about the area, transport links or their own personal experience of relocating to take up a role with the BLA – that can be arranged.

If you are relocating with your family, The Bicester Learning Academy is ideal, offering priority places to children of employees of The Bicester Learning Academy (Multi-Academy Trust), currently The Cooper School and Glory Farm School – whether they live in the designated area or not. This can be a huge advantage to gaining a place in our oversubscribed year groups or in our family orientated nursery.

There are a number of local estate agents, in and around the town that we can point you to, depending upon your circumstances or individual requirements.

For a more informed view of what is available to you and assistance with finding and purchasing or renting in the area, we have teamed up with Oxfordshire property professionals, Taylor Cox, to ensure you are able to access an unbiased and informative all round view of what is available to you as you relocate to the area. Taylor Cox have over thirty years of experience, not just in Bicester, but right across Oxfordshire, including Oxford, Witney, Bicester and surrounding towns and villages. Experts in both Sales and rental, whether you are just starting out or looking for a family home, Taylor Cox will be happy to advise. Because Taylor Cox is an independent estate and lettings agent they can make and take decisions that will benefit our clients and be more flexible in their approach to finding accommodation that is right for you and right this exciting next stage in your career.

A few words from our current staff...

Working at The Bicester Learning Academy – a staff perspective

Mr A Coggins

Head of D & T

Since starting at The Cooper School as a NQT in September 2011, I continue to be immensely proud to be involved in the education of the students…

Mr A Coggins - Head of Design & Technology

Since starting at The Cooper School as a NQT in September 2011, I continue to be immensely proud to be involved in the education of the students of the local area. I have been given huge opportunities to progress within this educational setting; progressing from an NQT classroom teacher to 2nd in charge of, and then Head of Design and Technology. The school has offered professional development in my subject specialism of Food and Nutrition; as well as allowing the opportunity to pursue areas of interest such as Behaviour for Learning. The middle and senior leaders have offered support and progression opportunities and the level of energy and commitment shown by staff is second to none.

We are also extremely fortunate to have a senior leadership who trust and support staff which results in a calm and purposeful atmosphere during the school day- it would be hard to believe there are over 1300 people on the site at any one time! We offer the students of Bicester every opportunity to achieve their full potential, both academically and in terms of character education. It is also great to note that the school is committed to ensuring a wide, well rounded curriculum is offered to all students.

I consider myself to be a highly motivated individual who sets the highest of expectations for myself and for the students I teach. I would encourage anyone considering applying for a post, to get in touch and arrange a visit. If you take an opportunity to work at this school, I can guarantee you will not regret it and will find yourself surrounded by fantastic students and like-minded and supportive colleagues.

Mrs C Dean

Lead Practitioner

I joined the Cooper School six years ago as a History teacher having previously taught in the South East for five years. I chose the school because …

Mrs C Dean - Lead Practitioner

I joined the Cooper School six years ago as a History teacher having previously taught in the South East for five years. I chose the school because I wanted to work somewhere that could be considered outstanding and I believe the Cooper School certainly achieves this. Since joining, I have been privileged to work in a friendly, supportive and forward thinking environment. The department is such a close knit unit and we work seamlessly together but this extends beyond my immediate team. Here, you will always find someone willing to offer support and kindness. The school is also extremely receptive to new ideas and SLT are keen to encourage and facilitate staff to follow their own areas of interest and trial new initiatives. There is a culture of sharing best practice with staff invited to share their talents, individual classroom experience and research during our weekly briefings. The Cooper School has an excellent record of growing our own leaders and staff are truly nurtured to develop into the strongest possible educational leaders. I, myself, have benefited from this. In the last six years I have been given the opportunity to lead both the History and RE departments. I received excellent training and support from our Deputy Head, which has allowed me to become involved in teaching and learning across the school, leading to my current post of Lead Practitioner. The Cooper School is a wonderful place to work day to day with great staff and students but it is also a place that will enhance your career and help you to realise your potential.

Ms C Winter

Teacher of English

I am coming towards the end of my NQT year at The Cooper School. I have been overwhelmed with the close-knit and supportive…

Ms C Winter - Teacher of English

I am coming towards the end of my NQT year at The Cooper School. I have been overwhelmed with the close-knit and supportive environment within both the school as a whole and in my department. As an English teacher here at The Cooper School, it is highly exciting to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team; having both the support to hone my teaching skills as well as being given the opportunity to develop new approaches to enhance the learning in my classroom.

I have been highly impressed with the numerous CPS opportunities available to me as a beginning teacher. I have been on both in-house and external courses which have been instrumental in my professional development.

It is lovely to work in an environment where you are relentlessly supported and encouraged to be the best teacher you can. Further to this, The Cooper School really puts the student at its heart expressing a high level of pastoral care, giving each individual the opportunity to shine.

Mrs S Sparshott

Head of English

The Cooper School is a thriving and stimulating place to work with an ethos that prioritises the welfare of the students and which encourages…

Mrs S Sparshott - Head of English

The Cooper School is a thriving and stimulating place to work with an ethos that prioritises the welfare of the students and which encourages creativity, imagination and independence. We are not an exam factory, but a genuinely supportive community that respects both students and teachers and the need for thoughtful, insightful learning.

I feel hugely privileged to manage the English Department, a department that really gets to the heart of this ethos. We work closely as a team to exchange ideas, approaches and good practice, and it is a point of pride that we respond to the very real challenges of the curriculum by finding imaginative routes that both challenge and engage.

I began my teacher training at The Cooper School as part of a PGCE course and have never left. I do not regret this choice, as along the way I have been greatly supported in terms of the roles open to me, the professional development provided and the support from my colleagues and the senior leadership team. Just as we as teachers make it a priority to invest in our students, so the infrastructure of the school invests in its staff.

Mr B Tweddle

HLTA - Science

My journey – I started working at The Cooper School in 2014 as a Cover Supervisor…

Mr B Tweddle - HLTA - Science

My journey

I started working at The Cooper School in 2014 as a Cover Supervisor. The move into the education sector followed a career change due to redundancy and was something that I had wanted to do for some time.

From the first day I was impressed with the fantastic amount of support and adversely, the space I was given to grow and develop. From here I have been given time and opportunities to further develop and grow within the educational area.

I enjoyed working as a Cover Supervisor, particularly working with the students to move their understanding forwards and with a focus on Science and Maths. This included supporting day trips and other events. However, when an opportunity arose to work within the science department as a HLTA I applied straight away as I was keen to work more consistently with students, with a direct focus on Science. I was offered the role and the school has supported me through my HLTA training and I am now fully qualified.

I have especially enjoyed working on student intervention and student SEND support within the science department. Middle management have also encouraged me to be involved in and work on whole school development projects alongside various colleagues throughout the school, including senior leadership.

As well as previous and ongoing opportunities, I am still moving forward and am currently taking a science course for non-specialists to better support students in their learning of Physics.This is in addition to more amazing continued professional development and every year I am given opportunity to attend various personal development courses, both in house and through external providers.

I am always looking for ways to build my experience and this year I was lucky enough to become the Support Staff Local Governing Body Member for The Cooper School. Again, this has given me opportunities to see the school from a different perspective and interact with colleagues in a different forum and allowed me to gain a better understanding of the development of the school and trust in the wider community, not only internally, but from a county and national stand point.

My longer term goal is to become a Physics teacher and so at the moment, I fulfill my role at The Cooper School alongside my Open University Course. I am married to a science teacher within the department and we have three young children so life can be busy and often chaotic. However, I know that I am always supported by my fantastic colleagues, the wider school community, Senior Leadership and the Executive Headteacher at The Bicester Learning Academy.

The Cooper School has embraced me and my dreams; it is always giving and sharing more and more opportunities and experience. Whether you just want to do your job and go home or immerse yourself in the development of an educational establishment which is second to none, The Cooper School and more widely, the Bicester Learning Academy, has everything you are looking for from kind students and staff to an ethos of working hard but most of all to –Dream Big.

Mrs L Panting

Admin & Data Assistant

I have worked at Glory Farm School as an Administration and Data Assistant for nearly four years. …

Mrs L Panting - Administration & Data Assistant

I have worked at Glory Farm School as an Administration and Data Assistant for nearly four years. I enjoy working as part of such a caring, warm team of people. A Primary School is a unique environment to work in and no two days are the same! The Senior Leadership Team at Glory Farm Primary School make you feel very valued and included in all aspects of school life and the children at Glory Farm really are so polite and friendly.

I have recently taken up the role of Support Staff Governor and am looking forward to being able to contribute in a new way to the school and the new experience this will bring.

I am also a parent of a child at The Cooper School, which gives me great insight into both working for and being a parent of The Academy. My son started at The Cooper School in September of last year and I have been so pleased with the way that he has settled in. He has been so well supported by the wonderful Inclusion Team.

Miss E Kirk

Head of EYFS

I joined the BLA in 2018 following my relocation to Oxfordshire from Dorset. I was initially employed on…

Ms E Kirk - Head of EYFS

I joined the BLA in 2018 following my relocation to Oxfordshire from Dorset. I was initially employed on a temporary contract to cover a colleague’s maternity leave and over 12 months later have found myself settled in a permanent post leading the EYFS Unit at Glory Farm. In the short period of time I have been working here, I have already been given numerous opportunities to develop myself as a leader and to share my area of specialism with the colleagues I work with.

I have been teaching for over 10 years now and feel privileged to be a part of such a positive and supportive establishment. The leadership team at Glory Farm recognise talent and invest in the potential they see amongst staff at every level. I love being part of a school which is going from strength to strength due to its reflective approach to developing provision and educational experiences for the children we work with.

I love everything about my job. No two days are the same. I work with a fantastic team of dedicated staff and children who bring so much joy and happiness to our school. I consider myself to be an enthusiastic and motivated Early Years Specialist with high expectations for myself, my colleagues and the children I am fortunate enough to learn with every day. I would encourage anyone interested in applying for an opportunity to work at Glory Farm to come and visit us. We love having the opportunity to share all of the wonderful things we do and you would always be most welcome.